Since 2005, Microsoft Research India, based in Bangalore, has been engaged in cutting-edge basic and applied research in algorithms, cryptography, security, mobility, networks and systems, multilingual systems, software engineering, machine learning, computer vision, graphics and visualization, and the role of technology in socioeconomic development.

In addition to developing and contributing key technologies to Microsoft products, Microsoft Research India collaborates with a wide range of scientific and academic institutions to advance the state of the art in computing research in India.

1.Algorithms and ModelingAlgorithms are central to all computing. The second word in the title stresses the fact that the input to an algorithm comes from a process modeling a real-world problem into data. Our current areas of research include matrix and Linear Algebra algorithms, Networks, Games and Economic Models and algorithms, semi-definite programming and optimization, and Massive Data problems.

2.Cryptography and ComplexityResearchers in the area of Cryptography and Complexity investigate theoretical and applied aspects of cryptography, computational complexity, and related areas of mathematics. Specific interests of the members include complexity bounds in arithmetic and Boolean models of computation, communication complexity, coding theory in theoretical computer science, (in)approximability of NP-complete problems, foundations of cryptographic schemes and protocols, protocol composition, security aspects and applications of digital signatures, and mathematical models for privacy. They contribute to advancing the state of knowledge in these research areas by publishing fundamental results in world-class conferences and journals, to Microsoft by applying their research to appropriate technologies, and serve the broader research and academic community by their work on various committees and extensive collaborations.

3.Machine Learning and OptimizationMachine Learning algorithms and optimization techniques have become central to most applications of computing ranging from search, ads, data-mining, data-analytics in large databases, information retrieval and extraction, natural language processing including machine translation, speech, vision, gaming, user adaptation of computing systems, as well as security, privacy, and the broad topic of crowd-sourcing. Our goal is to conduct research in multiple theoretical and practical aspects of Machine Learning and Optimization.

4.Mobility, Networks and SystemsThe members of our team conduct research in networking and systems. Our work and interests span several areas, including Internet-scale systems, distributed systems, network protocols, wireless networking, mobile computing, and sensor systems. We seek to advance the state of the art in these areas through measurement, design, and prototyping of real-world and experimental networked systems.

5.Multilingual SystemsOur research focuses on multilingual and cross-language computing paradigms, specifically on core technologies such as, machine translation and transliteration, information retrieval and data mining, and on creation of standards and language resources to support such research. In addition, we are working with many academic partners to foster, and be a part of a healthy research eco-system in Indian languages computational linguistics.

6.Programming Languages and Tools (PLATO)Formerly known as the Rigorous Software Engineering group, we work on tools, languages and methodologies to dramatically increase the productivity of software development. We are interested in both analysis tools for existing software, as well as in asking questions about how software of the future should be designed.

7.Security and PrivacyWe work on fundamental as well as practical aspects of security and privacy. In the area of security, we work in authorization logics and access control models, designing secure systems, and cryptographic protocols. In the area of privacy we work on designing practical privacy preserving advertisement systems, formally defining notions of privacy, as well as in designing algorithms that simultaneously provide functional value and guarantee privacy.

8.Technology for Emerging MarketsOur researchers conduct technology and social/ science research to address the needs and desires of economically poor communities and emerging markets. We work in both rural and urban environments, in domains such as agriculture, healthcare, education, microfinance and aspirational consumption.

9.Vision and MediaResearchers in this area work broadly in computer vision and visual media. Specific research topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

Advanced Development GroupThe Advanced Development group builds systems that bring research ideas to life in Microsoft products. The group partners with researchers on technology transfer into products, and also incubates its own ideas that have longer term scope, often spanning multiple research areas.

Microsoft Research Connections (MRC) - IndiaMRC India supports MSR India’s objective of fostering innovation through research and contributing to the research ecosystem in India. The group has initiated a number of programs that aim to strengthen the research ecosystem in Computer Science and related fields in India. MRC programs include PhD Fellowships, conference travel support for students, and workshops such as ‘Theory Day’. The group has also started a unique series of summer schools that offer in depth exposure to specific Computer Science research related areas through some of the best researchers and scientists in different fields. MRC India works closely with academic institutions, government and industry for research collaborations.

Microsoft Research India Leadership TeamMicrosoft Research India’s managing director, P. Anandan, is internationally renowned for his research in computer vision and video analysis. Anandan previously held the position of senior researcher at Microsoft Research in Redmond and has served as an ambassador for Microsoft Research Connections in India for several years. His assistant managing director is Sriram Rajamani, a widely respected researcher in programming languages, programming tools and software productivity. Sriram also leads the Programming Languages and Tools and the Security and Privacy research areas at Microsoft Research India.